Packet Flow Performance Measurement via Synchronization Periods
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Solution Overview
Problem
In packet-switched communication networks, existing methods for performance measurement, such as alternate marking techniques, face challenges in accurately identifying counters and timestamps across nodes with unsynchronized local clocks, especially when fine-granularity measurements are required or when marking periods are short, leading to potential errors in packet loss, delay, and jitter calculations.
Innovation Solution
The method involves dividing packet flows into blocks with a synchronization period containing an integer number of marking periods, allowing measurement points to provide performance parameters with synchronization and sequence information, enabling accurate identification and measurement of performance metrics across nodes with unsynchronized clocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If alternate marking technique is used for performance measurement, then packet loss and time measurements can be performed, but accurate identification of counters and timestamps becomes difficult when marking periods are short or fine-granularity measurements are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds a synchronization value within the marking value structure. The marking value contains both the original marking information and an additional synchronization component that enables precise temporal identification. This nested structure allows the system to maintain short marking periods for fine-granularity measurements while simultaneously providing accurate synchronization information for identifying counters and timestamps across unsynchronized nodes.
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization value is pre-established and embedded in the marking structure before measurement operations begin. This preliminary setup ensures that when measurements are performed with short marking periods, the synchronization information is already available in the packet data, eliminating the need for separate synchronization procedures and enabling accurate identification from the outset.
2Measurement precision
If marking period is reduced for fine-granularity measurements, then measurement precision improves, but difficulty in identifying parameters across unsynchronized nodes increases
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the synchronization value within the marking value, the patent creates a compact structure that carries both marking and synchronization functions. This eliminates the need for separate synchronization mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while enabling fine-granularity measurements with short marking periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The marking value structure is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the original marking information for packet identification and contains the synchronization value for temporal reference. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the system while supporting both fine-granularity measurements and cross-node synchronization.
3Ease of operation
If nodes use unsynchronized local clocks, then system autonomy and ease of operation improve, but accuracy of performance parameter identification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization value acts as an intermediary element that bridges unsynchronized nodes. Each node independently generates this value based on its own local clock, yet the value provides a common reference framework that enables accurate identification of performance parameters across the network. This mediator approach preserves node autonomy while achieving measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transforms the synchronization approach by changing from relying on clock synchronization to using a derived synchronization value that can be independently generated. This parameter change allows nodes to maintain autonomous unsynchronized clocks while still achieving accurate performance measurement through the mathematical relationship embedded in the synchronization value.
Data Source
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AI summary
It is disclosed a method for enabling a performance measurement on packet flow transmitted through a communication network. A marking value is periodically switched in the packets with a marking period Tm. The packet flow is then divided into blocks of duration Ts (synchronization period). Each synchronization period comprises an integer number of marking periods. Two or more measurement points on the path of the packet flow may provide a performance parameter for each marking period and associate thereto a synchronization information generated based on their local clocks and relating to the synchronization period containing the marking period to which the performance parameter relates; and a sequence information indicating the marking period's position within the synchronization period. A management server may identify performance parameters provided by different measurement points and relating to a same marking period based on the synchronization information and the sequence information.